About The Project Alpha Jamboree
On May 18, 2019, the Xi Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted their 1st Annual Project Alpha Jamboree!
It took place at Alston Middle School on 500 Bryan Street, Summerville, SC. It was a fun day filled with fun, education, entertainment, food, and more! The objective was to reach the youth and provide a platform and opportunity for certain topics be heard. The topics covered included Social Media, Cyber Bullying, Wise Decision Meeting, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, and Diversity!
The event was an amazing hit and was featured in the Summerville Journal Scene. Speakers at the event included A.J. Davis from Burke High School and Dr. Lauren Tucker from the Medical University of South Carolina. Speakers talked to the group about the importance of looking out for one another and being active in the community. The guest of honor was Dr. Roderick Smothers, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and president of Philander-Smith College in Little Rock, Ark. He spoke to the youth at the event about his life, he discussed becoming a father as a 14-year-old and overcoming his situation to graduate college and receive his Ph. D. at the age of 29.
Smothers said that fraternal organizations often have to overcome stereotypes that people in the community may harbor. However, he wants people to know that the mission of the fraternity is to help the community and develop leaders.
“Many people see our fraternities as social organizations, the stepping, the partying, however the important part of this fraternity is serving others,” said Smothers. “Our mission and our commitment is developing leaders in our community.”
Brother Antonio White stated “We would like for this jamboree to be an annual event and grow and increase… Hopefully it will gain some traction and next year we’ll make it a larger event.”
The brothers of Xi Phi Lambda would like to thank all of the family members, children, and other members of the community who came out to support!